We've talked and prayed many times over, for wisdom and guidance among the leaders and advisors within the church. As if life wasn't full of difficulties and complexities already, society keeps moving and pushing issues and scenarios which seemingly take us to the next level.

There's one more caveat in the mix. One more factor to consider. One more twist to the plot.

It's no wonder sometimes why those closest to situations are shaking their heads in confusion while observers are shaking their heads in disbelief.

What adds to the fun is that each of us, at one time or another has looked at the situation of which we are not the decision maker and thought we had or have a better way to handle things. Yet all too often we miss the mark in making the right decisions for the circumstance which are ours to handle, manage and correct.

Consider then, what is trending in the churches over the past few years. We've placed a greater emphasis on growing the church and less emphasis on actually building the church. So things look good to the observer, yet the decision makers are missing the mark when it comes to making disciples.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll was discussing this phenomenon yesterday during a radio broadcast, then he dropped this gold piece of wisdom...

We need a greater sense of  "adherence to the truth, rather than agreement with the majority."

What's popular, what's comfortable, what's "trending"... sure, they be nice and attractive options, but it that what is truly best for the decisions we face or does moving in such a direction simply add to the complexity and confusion that will await us further down the road.

So will you join me in prayer, this #deaconThursday? Pray that our pastors and church leadership would indeed have a great sense of adherence to the truth. May we not get so caught up in trends and opportunities that we move farther away from the spirit and will of God for His church. In times of increasing complexity and confusion may God grant wisdom and direction to leadership; to do so with integrity, love and compassion. Pray that God would guide and direct conversations and decisions; that the church would continue (and return where needed) to making disciples, rather than growing crowds.

May lives be impacted for eternity
That spiritual truth would develop deep roots in hearts and minds.
To draw closer to the presence of God
Whereby we better reflect the character of Christ.
For the kingdom of God is near.

- PNC

Youth Pastor friends of mine are getting married this weekend. In honor of this life-event, I thought it would be good to share a great thought I heard yesterday during the radio broadcast of  sermon.

He was speaking on marriage and reiterated an often made statement, that with regards to ministry it's important to major on the majors. However, in marriage, the importance shifts to majoring on the minors.

Eternity is beyond belief. The kingdom of God is beyond description. The body of Christ is large; the depths of Scripture are like treasures buried in the tunnels of rabbit holes. And we could severely miss the miraculous of the Bible, the profound wisdom of His Word and the complexity of His character by focusing on the minor points of faith rather than the fullness of the Gospel.

Thus, in ministry, there's needs to be a focus on the things that matter most.

Conversely, there's marriage... which is full of difficulty without the pressure and responsibility of ministry. Yes, it's important to be on the same page on the major issues. Agreement and unity contribute to one's success and longevity. It's not that you'll always agree, nor feel united, but you're committed to getting through the process.

Meanwhile, there's daily living. And just like our personal relationship with God, it's the little things that contribute to the richness of the relationship. The time in conversation. The time in fellowship. The time in prayer and activity. These are not "big ticket" items. Yet, when they are lacking, the sense of richness is gone. And the door is left open for feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness.

This is when people start looking for an exit... both in the human relationship and their relationship with God.

And once again, the kids are watching.
At home and at church.
At the marriage of their parents.
At the marriage of their pastors.
At the marriage between the church and Christ.

Let's pray this #youthPastorWednesday. Pray for this marriage of my friends; that God would help them as they walk through life in marriage and grant them wisdom as the lead in ministry. Pray for the youth, who will sit under their ministry and watch their marriage. May they understand the depths and richness of a genuine relationship with God and a realistic comprehension of Godly and God-centered marriage. Pray for the homes of pastors and church leadership that may be experiencing difficulties; and the kids are indeed watching and learning about relationships at both a physical and spiritual level. May God work the miraculous in such circumstances; that healing and restoration would occur, and that grace and forgiveness would abound.

As a three-strand cord is not easily broken,
May the marriages of those in ministry be fortified
And ministry all the more effective,
As they operate from a place of health
Because their leadership lives and moves in health.
For the glory of God.
And the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

I recently witnessed the power of Psalms 34:18

"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit."

It got me thinking just how often we look at situations and while they may seem at the time like they are a bigger deal than what they really are (if we put them in a proper perspective or timeline), we don't always find ourselves responding to them correctly.

Sure, there's a time to be upset about our circumstance. Frustrated with the details of the situation. Perhaps it's someone else' fault; more often than we care to admit the problem lies with ourselves.

It's amazing just how quickly, even when we aren't looking, pride stands up.

We don't want to go. We don't want to do. We don't like to hear. We don't want to feel.

Yet the power of God lies in the power of confession.
It exists in the admission that we cannot live life on our own
We cannot endure the trials and troubles of this life on our own.
Even when situations are caused by our own misdoings and misgivings; God is able to move in the circumstances of our lives that begins with our standing before God... broken and contrite.

It's easier to do when it's obvious. Sometimes.
It's often much harder, though, when it comes to the refining points of faith.

So, pray this #associatePastorTuesday, for pastors that God is dealing with and refining. Pray for the situations and circumstances where it may be harder to acknowledge that their heart aren't spirit aren't as broken and contrite before the Lord as what He desires. Pray for those pastors who feel perhaps God is not moving in situations and circumstances; may their be an illumination in their hearts and minds even this hour that God moves through the power of confession. May they find mercy for their mistakes and grace wherever they may go.

That God would accomplish the miraculous
For those who would call on His name
Whereby we are saved.
For His glory.

- PNC

We all have those mornings that we just aren't in the mood for getting up and out of bed. Perhaps you slept well, or maybe you didn't. But where you are is just to wonderful to give up in light of what you may or may not have to face once your feet hit the floor. Does something major await that you don't want to deal with and figure out?

Whether or not disaster looms ahead or there's just a sense that another day for potential problems  is lurking, it's time to examine what's going on.

Even a leader can miss this in their own lives, but one of the marks of a good leader (as stated by a friend of mine) is that they recognized when someone on their team is already stretched.

You are already doing X and Y... you are not taking on Z as well.

And if they insist on Z, then the next question is whether X or Y is being given up.

The lack of ability or awareness of a leader is what causes burnout among the team. Thus, if they can't spot it in others, one wonders if they have placed such boundaries in their own lives. Do they recognize them? Do they follow them when they get close to taking on too much.

Moments such as this contribute to not wanting to get out of bed and take on the day. It may seem like it's a minor deal; but like most everything else, that's how major stuff begins. Neither external monsters nor internal strongholds are created overnight.

So, thanks once again for joining me in prayer, this #seniorPastorMonday. May today be a day of refreshing and rejuvenation. Pray pastors would arise refreshed and strengthened; ready to take on the challenges of the day, even in the face of difficulty and disconcerting matters. May the spirit of discouragement be lifted as a spirit of peace takes over within them. Pray for wisdom and guidance as they lead their teams and staff; that there would be a prospect of hope and a countenance of potential as they place their trust in the most High God, anew and afresh.

May Hell tremble under the feet
Of those who arise under the anointing of the Holy Spirit
And the power of God.
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

A couple of articles came across my social media newsfeed in the past day or two. One of them was a satirical piece on the power, or lack of their off, of worship songs being utilized in the service, which was clever in it's own right.

The other two, however described reasons as to why churches where closing their doors as well as what preachers are doing other than preaching the Gospel of Christ. 

In both articles, the bottom line (even for the satirical worship article) was what happens when the church moves away from preaching and declaring the truth of the Word of God.

More concerned with comfort and entertainment.
More careful not to offend than a commitment to the full Gospel.
More emphasis working out the trivial than understanding the truth.
And the list goes on...

You could probably create your own list, based on churches you've attended, visited and the length or lack of time you hung around. The same is true for how long you've participated in a particular ministry.

Yet, I come back to the same reasons I'm hooked on Classic Christian Rock... a solid commitment to the Word of God. Though the sounds and methods change, the uncompromising message does not. Only our stance and approach to delivering it is what impacts its' effectiveness.

**funny, I'm listening to The Healing Rock online station and the founder of The Healing Stream Media Network discussing the difference between hype and anointing regarding their latest radio station.

Once again, the timing of God... uncanny.

So, will you join me this morning?

Pray, this #effectiveSunday for the delivery and impact of the Word and worship of ministry. Pray the Word would not be diluted or watered down for fear of offense, misunderstanding or social pressures. May there be a trust in the transforming power of the work of the Holy Spirit as people offer up their praise to the throne of God. May today be a day that hearts and minds are moved; that lives would forever be changed for the eternal glory of God. Pray the church would indeed be a house of prayer, as we move forward in the plans and purposes God has laid before us to accomplish His Will among His Creation.

Empowered to impact our World
With the Word of God.
For all eternity.

- PNC

We often take this time on #communitySaturday to pray God would help us impact our community with the love and message of Christ.  Yet, if I can change things up this weekend...

Meet Lee Shaw, who you can read and hear about some of his story here:
www.napachaps.com/chaplain-lee-shaw.html

Shaw, was a local pastor in 1996 when he was approached by the police chief to minister to the law enforcement community. Today, he leads a team of chaplains who minister in times of crisis to agencies and communities in 15 counties! Shaw wrote a letter to a pastor friend who shared the letter in a sermon I heard the other day. To hear the details of this letter is astounding. You can imagine the scenarios and the crises that were outlined.

Families dealing with the aftermath of an accident
Families dealing with the announcement of an officer injured or killed in the line of duty
Helping first responders cope and continue with life after repeated trauma scenes.
And so, so  much more.

Just replaying the list in my mind and recalling my reaction... at one point it was just dropping. The list of scenarios and situations just kept coming.

But what a transition, to step outside the four-walls of the church to be even further to the front-line of the community by ministering to people in times of extreme crisis and trauma. What's beyond even this... Shaw traveled to Ground Zero on three separate occasions, he was on-site at Sandy Hook and also, in response to Hurricane Katrina.

Thus, the impact we can make on our communities and those who serve the front-lines of our communities are great. And the opportunities are greater. Yet we can all begin in prayer.

Would you join me, this #communitySaturday, in pray for Shaw and his team and others like him (i.e. my cousin, who is a military chaplain). Pray that God would strengthen them as they serve, for if the potential for burnout exists anywhere, it's on the front-line of trauma and stress. May they be surrounded with people who would be their encouragement as they encourage and minister to others. Pray that God would go before them and prepare the way, for the never know what they what sites and circumstances upon which they will step.  Pray for protection. Pray for wisdom; that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit; to share timely words in moments of tragedy; to speak life in spite of great loss. May ministries like this witness the miraculous, as God moves in the affairs of man, even at most chaotic times of life.

All for His glory
To show compassion.
To share grace.
To express love.
Though life may change on Earth,
May lives be changed for Eternity.
To reflect Christ to a world in need of Him.

- PNC

I heard a great phrase yesterday in a sermon and thought to myself, well, isn't that brilliant.

It was simply this...

"Beyond the cross."

The Cross of Jesus Christ is a pivot point for every life who stands before it. It is the moment in time, in which the life that makes a decision for or against Christ, makes a decision that impacts eternity. Meanwhile, it means a life transformed for the remainder of their days here on Earth.

Yet, this struggle I'm about to explain, exists for the one who stands at the cross for the first time as well as for the umpteenth time.

In this life, we take things beyond the cross that were never meant to go that far.

Jesus left it all on the cross. His life. Our sins. He doesn't hang on to it and carry it with Him as He returns to Heaven. Yet we come to Christ for salvation, then continue our lives after the Cross with the very things that we were leaving at the time of our decision. For the believer, we do the same. We go back and pick up our cares and concerns that we have laid at His feet.

Do we not believe in the transforming work of Christ?
Do we not understand the sacrificial work of the Cross?

Is it possible we don't live empowered by the Holy Spirit as much as we could or should be living because we take the struggles and concerns of this world with us, beyond the Cross where Christ has told us to leave it with Him?

It is a struggle for both the seasoned saint and the newly saved. Yet on this #missionsFriday, it affects the testimony of both, for what we could and should be accomplishing for the kingdom of God.

Thus, will you join me this #misssionsFriday. Pray for those believers, yes, even in ministry and missions, that are struggling in the work that God has placed before them because of our propensity to take life before the Cross beyond the Cross. May we leave, forever, the things and concerns that God desires to remove and manage in our lives. Pray that we would be about the burden Christ would have us to carry, rather than our own, for ours is great and His is light. May we not stand in the way of the work God is attempting to accomplish in our lives and through our lives that will forever impact eternity.

For life before the Cross has nothing
To the life that waits beyond the Cross.
The demarcation line was drawn with the blood of Christ.
May we live for the glory of God
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

So, today is the National Day of Prayer.

And on this #deaconThursday, it's hard not to acknowledge how awesome it is, to be able to call a nation and a society to prayer. I can't help but consider the wisdom of our founding fathers; the care and wisdom they took in their conversations and decisions as a vision was laid to build a nation of freedom and liberty.

Yet, many of them, acknowledged their place, position and authority to be granted by Almighty God and so they too understood, the importance of seeking His face for the direction they were to take. And while I'm sure disagreements and disputes abounded in those early days, I know there was a sense of unity and a clarity of calling as God gave them long-term vision

We've come a long ways since; and in many ways veered far off course.

But as was suggested to Israel;

If my people who are called after my name will humble themselves and pray, I will hear from heaven and heal their land.

So, whether "land" be where healing needs to take place at an organizational level, or at a national level, may the church be a culture that speaks truth and love to a lost and dying world in need of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for the nations of the world. Indeed may the people of God humble themselves and pray. May their be a healing in our land; for churches in distress and for the community and culture outside the church; which daily reminds us of the need for Christ. Pray for revelation, as the power of God works in hearts and minds. Pray for wisdom in our conversations and discussions; and who we surround ourselves with in terms of both support and as well as opportunity to influence. May the church be the counter-culture; to reflect Christ in hopes that all will call upon the name of the Lord.

As we humble ourselves and pray,
God would do what only you can do.
Hear from heaven and heal our land.
Forgive us we pray, as we turn from our wickedness
And seek your face... not only in response to a national call,
But in reliance to our daily need for you alone.
For the glory of God.

- PNC

I'm so excited!!

Friends from a former church we used to attend together announced last night, via social media, since is was "real-life" official, that they were venturing into the world of full-time ministry. They are taking a campus pastor position at one of the campuses of an area church.

The transition though...they have a road in front of them. Though life has been busy and we haven't connected with them in a while, one of these days, I'd like to get the full story; as he acknowledged that this was a change that he didn't see coming. Though they have been active in church ministry at some level for as long as I've known them, he is stepping out of a corporate gig in order to fulfill this calling and pursue this opportunity.

Steps of faith like this always amaze me. I have my suspicions as to the reasons why, but that's neither here nor there... at least not right now.

It doesn't matter if steps like this are taken at the onset one's ministry or well-seasoned and versed in ministry matters. What's next with God is miraculous balance of excitement given the level of unknown variables that exist. It's as if decisions in the corporate world can be narrowed down to specific, calculated risks while ministry decisions barely account for the risks. The sovereign hand of God simply trumps any calculated risks we could consider when it comes to ministry.

Yet, no matter where one is in ministry, no matter what they are instilling in their audience about the Christian faith, His purpose outweighs the plans of man. It's eternal. It's fulfilling. It's ever-lasting.  More rewarding. The list is endless.

Whatever the process, nothing man does holds a candle to what God desires to accomplish through those who are open to going wherever He leads. Even at the most unexpected times and places of life.

Join me, this #youthPastorWednesday, as we pray for those both in ministry and debating the prospect of ministry. May there be an overwhelming peace and confidence as God reveals His plans for their lives, whether for the first time or the next time. Pray for an unshakeable trust, even when the illuminated steps of our path are few to zero. Pray for God's provision and protection as such steps are taken; that resources, people and funds would at the picture as God ordains; frustrating and unsettling as His timing may be... may His peace surpass all our understanding.

For He works all things together.
Even when the change is unexpected.
For the supernatural move of God
Supersedes the natural works of man.
Every time. Without fail.
For the glory of God and the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

This 700 post milestone has had me thinking the past few days... what else would be different if I had been working on them as faithful as getting to this mark. It got me thinking, perhaps again, about habits and disciplines.

Fitness 2-3 times a week for the  past 23 months?
Saving $1-$5 every day for the past 700 days?
Memorizing a Scripture a day?

I caught an pieces of an interview the other day with Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife... she still has every love letter he has written her. And he still writes them!

Going back more than 700 starts to get a little depressing. As I consider this next generation of pastors that we have brought on staff even at our own church in the past two years, I can't help but think of the disciplines I wish I would have implemented in my life when I had more time, energy and focus to actually make them happen and apply them to my life,

My health would be different.
My financial outlook would be different.
My relationships probably would work better.
My approach to life might be less stressful.
Perhaps my career would  be different, if I were more critical in my education.

I don't say all this from a place of regret or frustration seeking sympathy; but from the understanding that whatever it is that we set out to accomplish, whether in life or ministry, or anything else for that matter, the sooner one starts the better.

Late starts, no matter how much you put in, rarely catch up to the place you would be if from starting earlier.

Thus, will you pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for this next generation of pastors stepping in to various places of ministry. Pray for strength and wisdom in whatever they set out to do. May their be a focus and an energy in their lives and their approach, that would set a foundation of living a principled and disciplined live and ministry. Pray God would place people in their paths, that would help guide and encourage them along the way; providing insight and strategies that would set them on a course for success; not just on this earth, but in their effectiveness for the kingdom of God.

For even as, today is the today of salvation for those who hear the word,
May today be a day of fresh starts and new beginnings.
For yesterday cannot be changed,
Tomorrow has yet to be written
And His mercies are new this morning.
Even this very hour as you read this.
For the glory of God, we pray these things.

- PNC

Well, we are here.

Yesterday was consecutive post #700. Today marks the start of the 24th month since the relaunch.

Wow, how time does fly. And yet, I know this pails in comparison to the years of service that pastors, missionaries and other church leaders have put in to the body of Christ. It fails to reach the number of sermons prepped or hours spent visiting those under hospital care. It fails to reach evangelistic efforts and time spent helping those less fortunate in the community. It does begin to reach the hours upon hours spent in prayer, seeking the face of God and the miraculous power of the blood of Jesus Christ.

While I'm proud in what God has helped accomplished through this, I know it's a fraction of a contribution. On it's own though; it looks different. And that's the power of perspective.

Certain milestones and benchmarks are reached and at times, it may seem like an opportunity to back off. For indeed, breaks are good. Everyone needs a break now and then. Yet it would be easy to look at such moments and decide to go out on a high-note, when there is still so much to do.

When we rest on our laurels and our trophies; the accomplishments we may have achieved, is usually when we are most prone to things going south. The temptation to coast is great; yet that is what begins the downward trend the moves us away from the great accomplishments that, by the grace of God, we have achieved before hand.

So, while congrats may be in order, be encouraged to keep up the good work and fight the good fight of faith.

Thanks for joining me once again; as we pray this #seniorPastorSunday. Pray for the resistance against temptation to rest on laurels and accomplishments. May the pursuit of the advancement of the Gospel and God's will always be at the forefront, even in the face of great success and victory. Pray that pride would not overtake the perspective that God is not done with any of us yet; that none have arrived. Pray a continual seeking of the face of God; that His hand would not missed, nor His directives misunderstood. May we see His handiwork, as pastors and leaders continue to seek to be His hands and feet extended to the body of Christ in service to the kingdom of God.

That we would ever be about the work of God
No matter how great the work is that is complete.
May we be as Paul,
Ever pressing on towards the prize of the high calling.
For the glory of God.
For the cause of Christ.

- PNC